Triangular flaps: a modified technique for the correction of congenital constriction ring syndrome

Congenital constriction ring syndrome (CCRS) is a congenital anomaly with a wide spectrum of clinical presentation. The accepted method of correcting a circular constriction is to excise the deep part of the constriction, and break the line of the circular scar with multiple Z- or W-plasties. Specific correction of soft tissue is recommended concurrently, to better correct the "sandglass" deformity. Here we describe a new technique using triangular advancement flaps to correct the deformity in eight patients with constriction ring syndrome, involving either the upper or lower limbs. In this technique, triangular flaps can be introduced either proximal or distal to the ring, depending on the limb circumference, to correct the contour deformity. In all eight patients, a normal extremity contour was obtained, with complete elimination of the deformity caused by the constriction ring. A mean follow-up of 43 months revealed an aesthetically acceptable scar, with no case of recurrence. Triangular flaps designed either proximal or distal to the constriction ring is able to correct the contour deformity of the limbs with great versatility and acceptable aesthetic results.